Referring to cells using header cell values

ABSTRACT

Referring to cells using header cell values is disclosed. In some embodiments, a header cell value of a header cell is allowed to be used to refer to one or more other cells that are associated with the header cell. The header cell may be included in a header row or column included in a table. A header row cell value may be employed to refer to one or more other cells in a corresponding column, and a header column cell value may be employed to refer to one or more other cells in a corresponding row.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In typical spreadsheet applications, cells are referred to or addressedusing column (e.g., A, B, C, etc.) and row (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) addresstabs. Each cell is uniquely identified by a cell address that reflectsthe column and row address tabs, respectively, of the column and row inwhich the cell is located (e.g., A1). Headings or labels may be enteredinto one or more cells to give meaning to data included in acorresponding column or row. For example, if the cells of column A areto include revenue data, the top cell in the column (e.g., cell A1) maybe labeled as “REVENUE”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the followingdetailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a structure of a table.

FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of a table.

FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment in which address tabs are providedwith a table.

FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment in which a header row cell value isemployed to refer to a corresponding column of a table in a formula.

FIG. 1E illustrates the value resulting from the formula of FIG. 1D.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a sheet of a document of aspreadsheet application.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a sheet of a document of aspreadsheet application.

FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment of the auto-completion of a columnname.

FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of the auto-completion of a row name.

FIG. 2E illustrates an embodiment of the auto-completion of a tablename.

FIG. 2F illustrates an embodiment of the auto-completion of a sheetname.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a process for auto-completing aname.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a table.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula into a headercell of a table.

FIG. 4C illustrates the values resulting from the formula of FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula into a headercell that includes a reference to another header cell.

FIG. 4E illustrates the values resulting from the formula of FIG. 4D.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a table.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula editing mode ina header row cell associated with a column of a table.

FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of inserting a reference to anothercolumn of a table in the formula of a host header row cell by clickingon a cell of that column.

FIG. 5D illustrates the completion of the formula of FIG. 5C.

FIG. 5E illustrates the values resulting from the formula of FIG. 5D.

FIG. 5F illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula editing mode ina header column cell associated with a row of a table.

FIG. 5G illustrates an embodiment of inserting a reference to anotherrow of a table in the formula of a host header column cell by clickingon cells of that row.

FIG. 5H illustrates the completion of the formula of FIG. 5G.

FIG. 5I illustrates the values resulting from the formula of FIG. 5H.

FIG. 5J illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula editing mode ina cell of a table.

FIG. 5K illustrates an embodiment of inserting a reference to anothercell of a table into the formula of a host cell by clicking on the cell.

FIG. 5L illustrates the value resulting from the formula of FIG. 5K.

FIG. 5M illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula editing mode ina cell of a table.

FIG. 5N illustrates an embodiment of inserting a reference to an entirerow of a table into the formula of a host cell by clicking on the headercell of the row.

FIG. 5O illustrates the completion of the formula of FIG. 5N.

FIG. 5P illustrates the value resulting from the formula of FIG. 5O.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a process for inserting referencesin a formula being entered into a host cell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as aprocess, an apparatus, a system, a composition of matter, a computerreadable medium such as a computer readable storage medium or a computernetwork wherein program instructions are sent over optical orcommunication links. In this specification, these implementations, orany other form that the invention may take, may be referred to astechniques. A component such as a processor or a memory described asbeing configured to perform a task includes both a general componentthat is temporarily configured to perform the task at a given time or aspecific component that is manufactured to perform the task. In general,the order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within thescope of the invention.

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention isprovided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate theprinciples of the invention. The invention is described in connectionwith such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to anyembodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims andthe invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications andequivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the followingdescription in order to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and theinvention may be practiced according to the claims without some or allof these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technicalmaterial that is known in the technical fields related to the inventionhas not been described in detail so that the invention is notunnecessarily obscured.

Referring to cells using header cell values is disclosed. In someembodiments, a header cell value of a header cell is allowed to be usedto refer to one or more other cells that are associated with the headercell. The header cell may be included in a header row or column includedin a table. A header row cell value may be employed to refer to one ormore other cells in a corresponding column, and a header column cellvalue may be employed to refer to one or more other cells in acorresponding row.

As used herein, the term “cell” refers to a cell associated with atleast standard spreadsheet functionality. The term “at least standardspreadsheet functionality” in the context of a cell includes the abilityto define the content of one cell in such a way that the content of theone cell is determined based at least in part on the content of one ormore other cells, and the content of the one cell is updatedautomatically without further human action if the content of one or moreof the one or more other cells is changed. As used herein, the term“host cell” refers to a cell in a formula editing mode, i.e., a cellinto which a formula is being entered. In some embodiments, cells in aspreadsheet application are organized into one or more individual tablesor table objects, each of which includes a desired number of rows andcolumns of cells. In such cases, a sheet of a spreadsheet document mayinclude a desired number of table objects. Although in many of theexamples described herein the cells of a spreadsheet application areorganized into such table objects, the techniques described herein maybe similarly employed with respect to other cell configurations ororganizations, such as the (seemingly) infinite single grid or table ofcells in each sheet of some typical spreadsheet applications thatincludes an unlimited (or very large) number of rows and columns ofcells. Although many of the examples provided herein are with respect toa spreadsheet application, the techniques described herein may besimilarly employed with respect to any application, spreadsheet orotherwise.

In some embodiments, one or more of a header row, header column, andfooter row may be included in a table. FIG. 1A illustrates an embodimentof a structure of a table. In the given example, table 100 includes aheader row 102, a header column 104, a footer row 106, and five rows andfour columns of body cells 108. Using a header cell value, e.g., in aformula, to refer to or address one or more other cells associated withthe header cell is disclosed. In some embodiments, a header row cellvalue can be employed to refer to one or more cells in a correspondingcolumn of a table, and a header column cell value can be employed torefer to one or more cells in a corresponding row of a table. Any nameor value may be entered into a header cell to refer to a correspondingcolumn or row of cells. Header cell names or values can be selected toprovide a more intuitive way to refer to the rows, columns, and/or cellsof a table. In various embodiments, header cell values may be userdefined, may be selected from a predefined list of values, etc. A tablemay include any combination of a header row, a header column, and afooter row, if any. Options may exist with respect to a table to includeor hide (i.e. turn on or off) a header row, a header column, and/or afooter row. In some embodiments, footer row cells are employed to enterformulas. FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of a table 100 that includesa header row 102, a header column 104, and a footer row 106. In thegiven example, values have been entered into the header cells, and datahas been entered into the body cells. In some embodiments, address tabsare provided with a table. FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment in whichaddress tabs are provided with table 100 of FIG. 1B.

In some embodiments, if specified, one or more header cell values can beused to refer to or address the rows, columns, and/or cells of a tablein a manner analogous to address tabs. For example, with respect toFIGS. 1B and 1C, “Milan” can be used to refer to non-header cells in row3 (i.e., cells B3 through E3), and “Q3” can be used to refer to thenon-header cells in column D (i.e., in some embodiments cells D2 throughD6 and in some embodiments cells D2 through D7). Similarly, “Milan Q3”or “Q3 Milan” can be used to refer to cell D3, i.e. the cell that is theintersection of row Milan and column Q3. In some embodiments, such as inthe aforementioned example, a cell of a table can be referred to usingthe header row and column cell values with which it is associated. Insome embodiments, one syntax used to make such a reference includesseparating the associated row and column names by a space. In suchcases, the space between the row and column (e.g., “Milan Q3”) or columnand row (e.g., “Q3 Milan”) names implies an intersection between theassociated row and column or column and row, respectively. In otherembodiments, any appropriate syntax can be employed to refer to orspecify cells using their associated row and column names. In someembodiments, cell ranges can be specified using header cell valuessimilar to the manner in which cell ranges are specified using addresstabs. For example, Paris Q1:London Q4 can be used to specify cell rangeB2:E4.

Address tabs may be displayed with respect to a table such as in FIG.1C, and the rows, columns, and/or cells of the table may be referred toby corresponding address tabs even when a header row and/or column areincluded in a table and the associated header cell values are specified.In various embodiments, the rows, columns, and cells of a table may bereferred to using any appropriate combination of header cell values (ifspecified) and/or address tabs, using any appropriate syntax. Forexample, body cell D3 in the example of FIG. 1C, in various embodiments,may be referred to as “D3”, “3D”, “D Milan”, “Milan D”, “3Q3”, “Q3 3”,“Milan Q3”, and “Q3 Milan”. In some embodiments, options to turn on oroff one or more dimensions of address tabs of a table are provided. Forexample, it may be desirable to turn off both (row and column)dimensions of address tabs of a table that includes a header row andcolumn, such as depicted for table 100 in the example of FIG. 1B.Examples of situations in which a user may desire to turn off one orboth of the column address tabs and row address tabs include where aheader row and/or column is included and the user prefers to use theheader row and/or column values to identify cells, for example becausethe user finds those names to be more intuitive or otherwise more usefuland/or easier to use.

FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment in which a header row cell value isemployed to refer to a corresponding column of a table. In the exampleof FIG. 1D, header cell value “Q1” is used in the argument of the “SUM”function to specify the body cells of column Q1. The formula “=SUM(Q1)”is easier to enter and more intuitive than a corresponding formula thatuses address tabs, i.e. “=SUM(B2:B6)” with respect to correspondingaddress tabs such as those depicted in FIG. 1C. FIG. 1E illustrates thevalue resulting from the formula of FIG. 1D. Although in the example ofFIG. 1D a formula is entered into a cell of the footer row, a formulamay be similarly entered into any cell of table 100. Other header cellvalues may be similarly employed to refer to the rows, columns, and/orcells of a table. For example, the total annual revenue for London canbe computed using the formula “=SUM(London)”, and the total fourthquarter European revenue can be computed using the formula “=ParisQ4+Milan Q4+London Q4”. Such formulas that use header cell values arecleaner and more user-friendly than corresponding formulas that useaddress tabs, e.g., “=SUM(B4:E4)” and “=E2+E3+E4”, respectively, withrespect to corresponding address tabs such as those depicted in FIG. 1C.

In some embodiments, when used to refer to a corresponding column orrow, a header cell value refers to only body cells associated with thecorresponding column or row. For example, in the formula “=SUM(Q1)” inthe example of FIG. 1D, the header cell value “Q1” refers to only thebody cells of column Q1 and does not include the header cell or footercell associated with column Q1. Similarly, in the formula“=SUM(London)”, the header cell value “London” refers to only the bodycells of row London and does not include the header cell associated withthe row. Since when used to refer to a corresponding column or row aheader cell value includes all body cells of the corresponding column orrow, a column or row reference in a formula such as “Q1” in “=SUM(Q1)”or “London” in “=SUM(London)” does not have to be updated when anassociated table is resized since the reference stays the same. Forexample, if additional rows of data associated with new locations wereto be added to table 100 of FIG. 1E, the column reference “Q1” informula “=SUM(Q1)” would not have to be updated as “Q1” would includeall body cells of column Q1 including the added cells. Variousadvantages exist by having a header cell value refer to only associatedbody cells. For example, with the header cell value excluded, a headercell value such as “2007” does not interfere with an intendedcalculation or result. With footer row cells excluded, a formula such as“=SUM(Q1)” can be included in the same column Q1 without creating acircular reference.

Although using header cell values to refer to or address the rows,columns, and/or cells of a table when in a formula editing mode has beendescribed in the given examples, header cell values can be similarlyemployed to refer to the rows, columns, and/or cells of a table in anyother context such as, for example, when specifying source data whencreating a chart or graph from data included in one or more tables.

As described above, the rows, columns, and/or cells of a table may beaddressed or referred to using associated address tabs and/or headercell values. Like unique address tabs that are associated with each rowand column, unique header cell values need to be selected for headercells included in a table to be able to uniquely identify the rows,columns, and/or cells of the table using associated header cell values.A spreadsheet document or file may include one or more sheets (orcanvases), and each sheet (or canvas) may include one or more tablesand/or other objects. In some embodiments, each table included in asheet is uniquely named so that the rows, columns, and cells included ineach table can be uniquely identified. In some embodiments, an option toshow or hide the table name with a table is provided. For example, thetable name is hidden in the examples of FIGS. 1B-1D, but table names areshown or unhidden in the examples of FIGS. 2A-2F. Since the name of eachtable in a sheet is unique, multiple tables on the same sheet may haveone or more identical header cell values. Since each sheet of aspreadsheet document is uniquely named, multiple sheets of a spreadsheetdocument may have tables of the same name and possibly with one or moreidentical header cell values. The rows, columns, and/or cells of a tablecan be referred to in another table or object (e.g., a chart, graph,etc.) included in the same sheet or a different sheet of a spreadsheetdocument. In order to uniquely identify or refer to one or more rows,columns, and/or cells of a table in another table or object on the samesheet or on a different sheet, the associated table name and/or sheetname may be specified in addition to associated header cell value(s)(and/or address tab value(s)). A syntax employed in some embodiments touniquely refer to a row, column, and cell of a table is provided inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Table Compo- nent Syntax Row <SheetName>::<TableName>::<RowName>Column <SheetName>::<TableName>::<ColumnName> Cell<SheetName>::<TableName>::<RowName> <ColumnName> or<SheetName>::<TableName>::<ColumnName> <RowName>In the syntax of Table 1, header cell and/or address tab values may beemployed for the row name and column name parameters. In someembodiments, in the cases in which one or more address tab values areused for the row name and/or column name parameters in the syntaxprovided for a cell in Table 1, the space between the row name andcolumn name parameters may be omitted. The sheet name and/or table nameparameters may be included to uniquely refer to a row, column, or cellof a table. In various embodiments, the sheet name and/or table nameparameters may be omitted if a row, column, and/or cell being referredto can be uniquely identified without one or more of those parameters.In some embodiments, when including a reference to a row, column, orcell of a table in a cell of the same table, the table name and/or sheetname parameters may be omitted; and when including a reference to a row,column, or cell of a table in a cell of a different table in the samesheet and/or in a different object in the same sheet, the sheet nameparameter (and in some embodiments also the table name parameter, e.g.,if the header cell value(s) in the reference are unique at least withinthe associated sheet) may be omitted. When including a reference to arow, column, or cell of a table in a cell of a different table in adifferent sheet and/or in a different object in a different sheet, insome embodiments, the sheet name parameter may be omitted, e.g., if anassociated table name parameter that is included in the reference isunique across all sheets of a document, and in some embodiments thetable name parameter may also be omitted if the header cell value(s) inthe reference are unique across all tables (and/or other objects) in allsheets. In some embodiments, even though redundant and/or unnecessary,the sheet name and/or table name parameters may be included in areference. In the cases in which the row name and/or column nameparameters are specified using address tabs, the table name and/or sheetname may need to be specified. In some embodiments, a row, column,and/or cell of a table in one document can be referred to in anotherdocument by further including a document name parameter in a reference,e.g., by adding <DocumentName> to the syntax of Table 1. Table 1provides one embodiment of a syntax that can be employed to uniquelyidentify or refer to the rows, columns, and cells of a table in aspreadsheet application. Any other appropriate syntax may be employed inother embodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of two sheets, associated withtabs 202 and 204, respectively, of a document of a spreadsheetapplication. The sheet associated with tab 202, the contents of whichare shown in FIG. 2A, is named “2007” and includes three tables: January206, February 207, and Specials 208. The sheet associated with tab 204,the contents of which are shown in FIG. 2B, is named “2006” and alsoincludes three tables: January 210, February 212, and March 214. In thegiven examples, each table in each sheet is uniquely named (January,February, Specials, March), but all tables except the Specials table 208comprise the same table structure and include the same header cellvalues (Bags, Shoes, and Sales). Both sheets include tables namedJanuary and February. The rows, columns, and cells of any of the tablescan be uniquely identified or referred to using a syntax such as thesyntax of Table 1.

In some embodiments, while a user is entering or typing a sheet name,table name, row name, and/or column name, for example, when entering areference in a formula using a syntax such as that provided in Table 1,auto-completion of the name being typed is available and/or provided. Inthe cases in which multiple potential matches exist for the name beingtyped, an interface that includes the potential matches is presentedfrom which a desired value can be selected by the user. In variousembodiments, the auto-completion feature is or can be configured to beavailable once a prescribed number of the first few characters of a namehave been typed. In some embodiments, the auto-completion feature isautomatically provided after a prescribed number of the first fewcharacters of a name have been typed. In some embodiments, theauto-completion feature is provided in response to a user typing atleast a prescribed number of the first few characters of a name followedby one or more arrow keys. In some embodiments, the auto-completionfeature is available on the third keystroke (i.e. starting with thethird character of a name), and if multiple matches exist, a drop downlist of matching auto-completion options is provided. In someembodiments, an option to turn the auto-completion feature on or off isprovided. In some embodiments, in addition to appending the completionof the name being typed, the auto-completion feature prepends extrainformation or identifiers such as a document name, sheet name, and/ortable name, for example, to provide further disambiguation when the same(row, column, and/or table) name is used multiple times.

FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment of the auto-completion of a columnname. In the given example, the characters “Sa” are entered into aformula being entered into a cell of table 206 of sheet 202. Theauto-completion feature is provided (e.g., automatically or in responseto, for example, left or down arrow keystrokes by the user) startingwith the third character of the name being entered. Since multiplepotential matches exist in the given example, a list 216 of potentialmatches is provided from which a desired completion can be selected. Inaddition to appending completions, the auto-completion feature prependsadditional parameters, such as the sheet name and/or table name in theexample of FIG. 2C to distinguish the same column name (“Sales”) used indifferent tables and/or sheets. The auto-completion feature provides theuser with easy access to the Sales column in the same table (i.e.“Sales” in list 216), in other tables on the same sheet (i.e.“February::Sales” in list 216), and in other tables on different sheets(i.e. “2006::January::Sales”, “2006::February::Sales”, and“March::Sales” in list 216). Selection of “Sales” in list 216 results inthe completion “les” to be appended to the entered characters “Sa”.

In some embodiments, such as in the example of FIG. 2C, the sheet nameis omitted if a table name appears only once in a document. Thus, in thegiven example, the sheet name “2006” is not included with “March::Sales”in list 216. In some embodiments, if a table name appears multiple timeson different sheets of a document, the sheet name is included for atable that is not on the current sheet. In some embodiments, the sheetname is included for any table not on the current sheet. In such a case,“March::Sales” in list 216 would be “2006::March::Sales”. In someembodiments, such as in the example of FIG. 2C, if a row or column nameappears multiple times in different tables on a sheet, the table name isincluded for each table that is not the current table. Thus, in thegiven example, the table name “February” is included in“February::Sales” in list 216. In some embodiments, the table name isomitted if a row or column name appears only once in a sheet. Thus, inthe given example, the table name “Specials” is not prepended to “Save”in list 216. In some embodiments, the table name is included for any rowor column name not of the current table. In such a case, “Save” in list216 would be “Specials::Save”.

Although described with respect to a column name in FIG. 2C, theauto-completion feature is in various embodiments similarly availablefor row names, table names, and/or sheet names. FIG. 2D illustrates anembodiment of the auto-completion of a row name. In the example of FIG.2D, since a single auto-completion match exists, it is provided inline.In some embodiments in the cases in which multiple potential matchesexist such as in FIG. 2C, the most likely match is by default selected(i.e. highlighted) in an associated list, and the associated completionis appended to the entered characters inline. In some embodiments, sucha most likely match is, for example, alphabetically selected from theone or more options associated with the current table and/or sheet. Forexample, in FIG. 2C, “Sales” may be by default selected since it is theonly option with respect to the current table 206. Of course, in variousembodiments, such a default selection may not be selected by a user whomay opt to select a different option or may not select any of theprovided options. FIG. 2E illustrates an embodiment of theauto-completion of a table name. FIG. 2F illustrates an embodiment ofthe auto-completion of a sheet name. In the example of FIG. 2F, a singlematch (“2006”) exists because the sheet name of the current sheet(“2007”) does not have to be (redundantly) specified in the currentsheet.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a process for automaticallycompleting a remainder portion of a name as it is being entered. In someembodiments, process 300 is employed with respect to FIGS. 2C-2F.Process 300 starts at 302 at which at least a prescribed number ofstarting characters of a name (or other identifier) being entered arereceived. In some embodiments, the prescribed number of startingcharacters comprises the first two characters of the name. In someembodiments, the name is being entered into a host cell into which aformula is being entered as a reference name, e.g., in the formula, torefer to one or more other cells. In various embodiments, the namecomprises one or more of a row name, column name, table name, sheetname, and document name. At 304, one or more matching auto-completionoptions, if any, are provided, and process 300 ends. In someembodiments, 304 includes determining a set of one or more validreference names that begin with the received starting characters, ifany, so that they can be provided at 304 as matching auto-completionoptions. In such cases, a valid reference name is one that identifiesusing a supported syntax (e.g., the syntax of Table 1) a spreadsheetdocument or a portion of a spreadsheet document and may include one ormore of a row name, column name, table name, sheet name, and documentname. One of the provided auto-completion options, if any, may beselected by a user to complete the name being entered.

Although an auto-completion feature is described with respect toentering a reference in a formula in the given examples, in variousembodiments, the auto-completion feature may be available and cansimilarly be employed when entering names or references in any othercontext such as, for example, when specifying source data when creatinga chart or graph. Although described with respect to table objects, suchan auto-completion feature may be similarly employed with respect to thenames of other types of objects or parts thereof that are included in asheet of a spreadsheet application, such as charts, graphs shapes,images, graphics, multimedia content, etc.

In some embodiments, a formula may be entered into a header cell topopulate the body cells of a corresponding row or column. FIGS. 4A-4Eillustrate examples of entering formulas into header row cells topopulate corresponding columns. FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of atable 400 that includes a header row 402 and a header column 404. FIG.4B illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula into the Speakersheader cell of table 400. Unlike other cell types, in some embodiments,a formula may be entered into a header cell even though the header cellincludes a name or value (e.g., “Speakers”, “Tables”, “Section1”, etc.).In some embodiments, a formula editing mode is entered with respect to ahost cell (e.g., the Speakers header cell in the example of FIG. 4B) byclicking on or otherwise selecting the cell and entering an equals sign“=”. As depicted, the formula “=2” is entered into the Speakers headercell. The resulting population of the body cells associated with theSpeakers column of table 400 is shown in FIG. 4C. As illustrated, allcells of the Speakers column of table 400 are populated with the value“2”. In some embodiments, a formula entered into a header cell may referto one or more other header cells of the same dimension. In such cases,values of the body cells of the header cells that are referred to in theformula are employed in the computation of the values of correspondingbody cells associated with the header cell into which the formula isbeing entered. FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of entering into aheader cell a formula that includes a reference to another header cell.As depicted, the formula “=Tables*6” is entered into the Chairs headercell of table 400 and includes a reference to the Tables header cell. Insome embodiments, the Tables reference is inserted into the formula byclicking on or otherwise selecting the Tables header cell (or an addresstab associated with the Tables column) while in the formula editing modein the Chairs header cell. Alternatively, the Tables references may bemanually entered into the formula. The resulting population of the bodycells associated with the Chairs column of table 400 due to the formulaof FIG. 4D is shown in FIG. 4E. As illustrated, the value of each cellin each row of the Chairs column is the value of the cell in thecorresponding row of the Tables column multiplied by six. In someembodiments, a formula entered into a header row cell only populatesbody cells of the associated column and does not populate a footer cellof the associated column if a footer row is included in the table.Although entering formulas into header row cells to populate the columnsof a table is depicted in the given examples, similar techniques can beemployed to enter formulas into header column cells to populatecorresponding rows of a table. In such cases, a formula entered into aheader column cell may include a reference to one or more other headercolumn cells. In some embodiments, a formula is entered into a headercell into which a name or value has not (yet) been entered.

Formulas may be entered into different types of spreadsheet cells suchas header cells, body cells, and footer cells. When in a formula editingmode in a host cell, references to one or more cells or cell ranges thatare clicked on or otherwise selected while in the formula editing modeare inserted into the formula being entered into the host cell. Asdisclosed herein, in some embodiments, references to one or more cellsor cell ranges that are clicked on or otherwise selected are added to aformula being entered into a host cell based on the zones (e.g., withinan associated table) or types of the clicked cell(s) and/or the hostcell. For example, in some embodiments, while in a formula editing modein a header row cell associated with a column of a table, clicking on orotherwise selecting a cell that is in a different column results in theinsertion of a reference to the header row cell associated with theselected cell in the formula of the host cell. Likewise, in someembodiments, while in a formula editing mode in a header column cellassociated with a row of a table, clicking on or otherwise selecting acell that is in a different row results in the insertion of a referenceto the header column cell associated with the selected cell in theformula of the host cell. In some embodiments, a spreadsheet applicationcan be configured such that clicking on or otherwise selecting one ormore non-header cells while in a formula editing mode in a header cellresults in the insertion of a reference to the selected cell(s) (e.g.,rather than a reference to an associated row or column) in the formulabeing entered into the host cell. In some embodiments, when entering aformula into a body or footer cell, clicking on or otherwise selectingone or more other body and/or footer cells results in references tothose cells being inserted into the formula being entered into the hostcell but clicking on or otherwise selecting a header cell results in areference to the entire row or column associated with the header cell tobe inserted into the formula. In some such cases, the reference to theentire row or column includes only the body cells of the row or column.FIGS. 5A-5P illustrate examples of reference adding behavior based onthe zones or types of the host cell and clicked cell(s).

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a table 500 that includes a headerrow 502 and a header column 504. FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment ofentering a formula editing mode in a header row cell associated with acolumn of table 500. As depicted in the example of FIG. 5B, a formulaediting mode may be entered, for example, by clicking on or otherwiseselecting header row cell Blue and entering an equals sign “=”. FIG. 5Cillustrates an embodiment of inserting a reference to another column oftable 500 in the formula of host header cell Blue by clicking on a cellof that column. As depicted, a reference to header cell Red is insertedinto the formula of host header cell Blue by clicking on cell RedCircles, a cell included in column Red. In the given example, areference to the entire column (i.e. Red) of the clicked cell isinserted into the formula rather than a reference to the clicked cell(i.e. Red Circles) since the host cell is a header row cell. Completionof the formula being entered into header cell Blue of table 500 isdepicted in FIG. 5D, and the resulting values of the cells of columnBlue are depicted in FIG. 5E.

FIG. 5F illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula editing mode ina header column cell (Rectangles) associated with a row of table 500.FIG. 5G illustrates an embodiment of inserting a reference to anotherrow of table 500 in the formula of host header cell Rectangles byselecting a range of cells of that row. As depicted, a reference toheader cell Squares is inserted into the formula of host header cellRectangles by selecting cells Yellow Squares and Blue Squares, cellsincluded in row Squares. In the given example, a reference to the entirerow (i.e. Squares) associated with the clicked cells is inserted intothe formula rather than a reference to the clicked cell range (e.g.,Yellow Squares:Blue Squares) since the host cell is a header columncell. Completion of the formula being entered into header cellRectangles of table 500 is depicted in FIG. 5H, and the resulting valuesof the cells of row Rectangles are depicted in FIG. 5I.

FIG. 5J illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula editing mode ina non-header cell (Blue Triangles) of table 500. FIG. 5K illustrates anembodiment of inserting a reference to another cell of table 500 intothe formula of host cell Blue Triangles by clicking on the cell. Asdepicted, a reference to cell Red Triangles is inserted into the formulaof host cell Blue Triangles by clicking on cell Red Triangles. The valueresulting from the formula entered into cell Blue Triangles of table 500in FIG. 5K is depicted in FIG. 5L. In some embodiments, the behaviorshown in this example (FIGS. 5J-5L) differs from that illustrated byFIGS. 5B-C, for example, because the formula is being entered into acell that is not a header cell, which results in a reference to theparticular cell that is selected, as opposed to a reference to thecolumn (or row, in the case of a formula being entered in a header cellof a header column) in which the selected cell is located, to beinserted into the formula.

FIG. 5M illustrates an embodiment of entering a formula editing mode ina cell (Blue Rectangles) of table 500. FIG. 5N illustrates an embodimentof inserting a reference to an entire row of table 500 into the formulaof host cell Blue Rectangles by clicking on the header cell of that row.As depicted, a reference to row Circles is inserted into the formula ofhost cell Blue Rectangles by clicking on header cell Circles. Completionof the formula being entered into host cell Blue Rectangles of table 500is depicted in FIG. 5O, and the resulting value of cell Blue Rectanglesis depicted in FIG. 5P.

Address tabs may be available and/or displayed with a table. In someembodiments, clicking on or otherwise selecting one or more address tabswhile in a formula editing mode results in reference adding behaviorsimilar to that described above with respect to header cells. Forexample, in some embodiments, while in a formula editing mode in aheader row cell of a column of a table, clicking on or otherwiseselecting an address tab of another column results in the insertion of a(header cell or address tab value) reference to the selected column intothe formula being entered into the host cell. Likewise, in someembodiments, while in a formula editing mode in a header column cell ofa row of a table, clicking on or otherwise selecting an address tab ofanother row results in the insertion of a (header cell or address tabvalue) reference to the selected row into the formula being entered intothe host cell. In some embodiments, while in a formula editing mode in abody or footer cell, clicking on or otherwise selecting an address tabresults in the insertion into the formula of the host cell of a (headercell or address tab value) reference to the row or column associatedwith the address tab. In some such cases, the reference to the row orcolumn includes only the body cells of the row or column. In someembodiments, when not in a formula editing mode, clicking on orotherwise selecting an address tab results in the selection of an entireassociated column or row, including the body cells, header cell, and/orfooter cell associated with the column or row.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a process for inserting referencesin a formula being entered into a host cell. In some embodiments,process 600 is employed with respect to FIGS. 5C, 5G, 5K, and 5N toinsert a reference into a formula. Process 600 starts at 602 at which anindication that a formula is being entered into a host cell is received.In some embodiments, the indication that a formula is being entered isreceived at 602 in response to an equals sign “=” being entered into thehost cell. In various embodiments, the host cell may be a body cell, aheader cell, or a footer cell. At 604, an indication of a selection ofone or more cells and/or address tabs is received. In variousembodiments, the selection may comprise a set of contiguous (i.e. arange) or a set of non-contiguous cells. In various embodiments, theselected one or more cells may comprise header cells, body cells, footercells, and/or address tabs. At 606, reference(s) to or associated withthe cell(s) and/or address tab(s) selected at 604 are inserted into theformula being entered into the host cell, and process 600 ends. Asdescribed above, in some embodiments, the reference adding behavior ofprocess 600 is based at least in part on the zones or types of the hostcell and/or the clicked cells. For example, in some embodiments, in thecases in which the host cell comprises a header row/column cell,selecting an other row/column header cell or address tab results in theinsertion of a (header cell or address tab) reference to the selectedrow/column into the formula of the host cell and selecting a body orfooter cell results in the insertion of a (header cell or address tab)reference to the row/column associated with the selected body or footercell into the formula of the host cell. In the cases in which the hostcell comprises a body or footer cell, selecting a header cell or addresstab results in the insertion of a (header cell or address tab) referenceto the selected row/column into the formula of the host cell whileselecting an other body or footer cell results in the insertion of areference to the selected cell into the formula of the host cell.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detailfor purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limitedto the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementingthe invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and notrestrictive.

1. A method for referring to cells of a table, comprising: receiving aheader cell value for a header cell; and enabling the header cell valueto be used to refer to one or more other cells that are associated withthe header cell.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprisingreceiving an indication to include one or more of a header column and aheader row in the table.
 3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein theheader cell comprises a header row cell.
 4. A method as recited in claim3, wherein enabling the header cell value to be used to refer to one ormore other cells that are associated with the header cell comprisesenabling the header row cell value to be used to refer to one or moreother cells included in a corresponding column.
 5. A method as recitedin claim 1, wherein the header cell comprises a header column cell.
 6. Amethod as recited in claim 5, wherein enabling the header cell value tobe used to refer to one or more other cells that are associated with theheader cell comprises enabling the header column cell value to be usedto refer to one or more other cells included in a corresponding row. 7.A method as recited in claim 1, wherein receiving a header cell valuefor a header cell comprises receiving a plurality of header cell valuesincluding the header cell value for a plurality of corresponding headercells.
 8. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising enabling aheader row cell value associated with a column and a header column cellvalue associated with a row to be used to refer to a cell that is theintersection of the column and row.
 9. A method as recited in claim 8,wherein a syntax of a reference to the cell comprises the header rowcell value and the header column cell value separated by a space.
 10. Amethod as recited in claim 9, wherein the syntax further comprises oneor more of a document name, a sheet name, and a table name associatedwith the cell.
 11. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprisingenabling the header cell value to be used in combination with one ormore address tab values to refer to one or more cells.
 12. A method asrecited in claim 1, further comprising providing options to hide or showone or more dimensions of address tabs with respect to the table.
 13. Amethod as recited in claim 1, further comprising receiving a referencein a formula comprising the header cell value.
 14. A method as recitedin claim 1, wherein when used to refer to a corresponding column or row,the header cell value refers to only associated body cells and excludesthe header cell, an associated footer cell, or both.
 15. A method asrecited in claim 14, wherein the associated footer cell is included in afooter row optionally included in the table.
 16. A method as recited inclaim 1, further comprising providing options to include or hide one ormore of a header row, a header column, and a footer row in the table.17. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising enabling one ormore cells to be referred to using one or more of a document name, asheet name, a table name, and the header cell value.
 18. A method asrecited in claim 1, further comprising receiving an indication that aformula has been entered into the header cell.
 19. A method as recitedin claim 18, wherein the formula entered into the header cell includes areference to another header cell of a same dimension.
 20. A method asrecited in claim 18, further comprising using the formula entered intothe header cell to populate a corresponding column or row of cells. 21.A method as recited in claim 20, wherein using the formula entered intothe header cell to populate a corresponding column of cells comprisesexcluding an associated footer cell, if any, from being populated.
 22. Amethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the table is included in a sheetof a spreadsheet application.
 23. A method as recited in claim 1,wherein the table comprises a sheet of a spreadsheet application.
 24. Asystem for referring to cells of a table, comprising: a processorconfigured to: receive a header cell value for a header cell; and enablethe header cell value to be used to refer to one or more other cellsthat are associated with the header cell; and a memory coupled to theprocessor and configured to provide instructions to the processor.
 25. Asystem as recited in claim 24, wherein the header cell comprises aheader row cell.
 26. A system as recited in claim 25, wherein to enablethe header cell value to be used to refer to one or more other cellsthat are associated with the header cell comprises to enable the headerrow cell value to be used to refer to one or more other cells includedin a corresponding column.
 27. A system as recited in claim 24, whereinthe header cell comprises a header column cell.
 28. A system as recitedin claim 27, wherein to enable the header cell value to be used to referto one or more other cells that are associated with the header cellcomprises to enable the header column cell value to be used to refer toone or more other cells included in a corresponding row.
 29. A system asrecited in claim 24, wherein when used to refer to a correspondingcolumn or row, the header cell value refers to only associated bodycells and excludes the header cell, an associated footer cell, or both.30. A system as recited in claim 24, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to receive an indication that a formula has been entered intothe header cell.
 31. A system as recited in claim 30, wherein theprocessor is further configured to use the formula entered into theheader cell to populate a corresponding column or row of cells.
 32. Acomputer program product for referring to cells of a table, the computerprogram product being embodied in a computer readable medium andcomprising computer instructions for: receiving a header cell value fora header cell; and enabling the header cell value to be used to refer toone or more other cells that are associated with the header cell.
 33. Acomputer program product as recited in claim 32, further comprisingcomputer instructions for receiving an indication to include one or moreof a header column and a header row in the table.
 34. A computer programproduct as recited in claim 32, wherein the header cell comprises aheader row cell.
 35. A computer program product as recited in claim 34,wherein enabling the header cell value to be used to refer to one ormore other cells that are associated with the header cell comprisesenabling the header row cell value to be used to refer to one or moreother cells included in a corresponding column.
 36. A computer programproduct as recited in claim 32, wherein the header cell comprises aheader column cell.
 37. A computer program product as recited in claim36, wherein enabling the header cell value to be used to refer to one ormore other cells that are associated with the header cell comprisesenabling the header column cell value to be used to refer to one or moreother cells included in a corresponding row.
 38. A computer programproduct as recited in claim 32, wherein receiving a header cell valuefor a header cell comprises receiving a plurality of header cell valuesincluding the header cell value for a plurality of corresponding headercells.
 39. A computer program product as recited in claim 32, furthercomprising computer instructions for enabling a header row cell valueassociated with a column and a header column cell value associated witha row to be used to refer to a cell that is the intersection of thecolumn and row.
 40. A computer program product as recited in claim 32,wherein when used to refer to a corresponding column or row, the headercell value refers to only associated body cells and excludes the headercell, an associated footer cell, or both.
 41. A computer program productas recited in claim 32, further comprising computer instructions forreceiving an indication that a formula has been entered into the headercell.
 42. A computer program product as recited in claim 41, furthercomprising computer instructions for using the formula entered into theheader cell to populate a corresponding column or row of cells.